June 19, 2015

Safe City Market Revenue Worth $226 Billion by 2020, Says Report

DALLAS, TX, June 16, 2015 — “Global Safe City: Industry, Technologies & Market - 2015-2020” is a new research report that says major defence contractors, the ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) and surveillance & sensors industry cannot ignore the fast growing revenues of the safe city market, which will accumulate to $226 billion over the next 6 years.

According to the report, the global safe city market technologies and industry are going through major shifts. Public opinion and political pressures combined with maturing safe city technologies such as video analytics, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM), Public-Safety Answering Point (PSAP), Distributed Sensors Systems, Sensor and Data Fusion Algorithms, Software as a Service (SaaS), Social Media Emergency Response software, Geo-Design and advanced ICT technologies are creating fresh business opportunities.

This safe city market report examines each dollar spent in the safe city market. The report explains that the safe city market growth is boosted by drivers like cities, towns and communities drive for quality of life and economic prosperity; Governmental funding policy of modern infrastructure; Urbanization; and Citizens expectations of safety from their local elected politicians.

Companies profiled and discussed in this safe city market 2015-2020 research report include —

April 3, 2011

Goodyear Highway Hero

Photo: The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tire has sidewalls with high sidewall puncture resistance and its wraparound tread offers enhanced traction in deep mud, sand and rocks.

Photo: The Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor Pro-Grade is a tire for heavy-duty pickups, offering a new tread compound and enhanced toughness for those who regularly haul or tow heavy loads.

Founded by Goodyear in 1983, the Highway Hero program recognizes professional truck drivers and the often unnoticed, life-saving rescues and roadside assistance they provide as their jobs take them across North America.

The 28th annual Goodyear North America Highway Hero is an Olympia, Washington truck driver, Tilden Curl, who helped save the lives of two people in a car that had come to a stop on railroad tracks, including pulling the unconscious driver from his car before it was struck by an approaching train. Tilden Curl accepted the 2010 Goodyear North America Highway Hero award from among four finalists.

• Just after noon on October 27, 2010, Curl was driving southbound on Highway 99 near Tulare, California, when a vehicle appeared to lose control and cross traffic, leaving the highway and finally coming to a stop with its front wheels lodged over the railroad tracks that run parallel to the highway. Curl stopped his truck to check on the car and noticed a train was coming. An elderly woman exited the passenger side of the car, and Curl yelled for her to get clear of the tracks. He then noticed that the driver was unconscious and trapped inside. At first, the door couldn’t be opened, but Curl was able to squeeze his arm inside and unlock it. Working quickly, he was able to unfasten the man’s seatbelt and drag him out of the car and away from the area just seconds before the train collided with the stranded vehicle.

“We are grateful to Tilden Curl for his quick thinking and brave actions, which ultimately led two strangers to safety. This is a clear example of the selflessness and professionalism of many of today’s professional truck drivers, who are out on our highways every day to deliver the goods and services upon which we all depend,” said Joseph Copeland, Goodyear’s vice president of commercial tire systems.

“Each of these finalists is a true Highway Hero, and their efforts to help others should be applauded. In honoring Tilden Curl, specifically, we acknowledge that he witnessed a dangerous situation and immediately pulled his truck to a stop as a way to provide help. He then reacted quickly and put himself in harm’s way, in order to help rescue strangers who were in peril. Because of that decision, lives were saved. For this, he has earned the right to be called a hero,” Copeland said.

Shell today produced its first oil and natural gas from the Perdido Development, the world's deepest offshore drilling and production facility. Located in an isolated, ultra-deep sector of the Gulf of Mexico, The facility sits in approximately 2,450 meters (8,000 feet) of water.

"Perdido is an impressive project in a strong Gulf of Mexico portfolio that continues to grow," said Marvin Odum, Upstream Americas Director, Shell Energy Resources Company. "Perdido presented technical challenges unlike we've ever seen in the Gulf of Mexico. Shell's team used its expertise to open this new frontier and confront complex reservoir characteristics, extreme marine conditions, and record water depth pressures. Perdido demonstrates what companies like Shell can do when US federal lands and waters are opened to responsible energy exploration and production."

From the first lease purchase to today's production, the Perdido Development required an industry workforce of approximately 12,000 people, including employees and contractors. Shell designed, and operates, the Perdido host spar, a floating production facility, which is jointly owned by Shell (35%), Chevron (37.5%), and BP (27.5%).

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries.

March 30, 2010

BorgWarner Opens New Manufacturing Facility in India

Photo: BorgWarner Thermal Systems has opened a new manufacturing facility near Chennai, India. Dan CasaSanta, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Thermal Systems; Andrew Simkin, Consul General of the United States Consulate, Chennai Office; Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO; Roger Wood, BorgWarner Executive Vice President and Engine Group President; and V.D. Umashanker, Managing Director, BorgWarner Thermal Systems Chennai, attended the opening ceremonies at the company's new facility in India.

BorgWarner Thermal Systems has opened a new manufacturing facility near Chennai, India. The new 65,000-square-foot (6,000-square-meter) facility is located in a high-tech business park. The environmentally friendly building will provide manufacturing, engineering, sales, and administrative space as well as room for future expansion.

"In India, growing demand for mobility and adoption of global emissions standards is driving growth for BorgWarner's advanced technologies," said Dan CasaSanta, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Thermal Systems. "With our new facility, BorgWarner will have the ability to expand existing product lines and introduce new technologies and products."

Designed as a "green building," the facility is seeking silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, a set of standards for environmentally sustainable construction developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Over 30% of the grounds around the new facility are reserved for green space and shaded with trees and plants watered with recycled waste water. In addition, several water- and energy-saving devices have been installed throughout the building.

March 19, 2010

Better City, Better Life: Siemens at EXPO 2010

"Better City, Better Life" - that's the theme of EXPO 2010, which will take place in Shanghai from May 1 - October 31, 2010. Siemens is supporting EXPO 2010 with green infrastructure technology.

On the 1st of May, the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai will open its doors to the world. About 70 million visitors are expected in the Chinese metropolis.

It is supposed to be the first green world exhibition in EXPO history.

As a global EXPO partner, Siemens has supplied technology used in more than 40 projects on the exhibition grounds. In addition, Siemens supplied infrastructure including technology for rapid mass transit, clean air, cleaner water and ultra-modern health care in Shanghai.

Photo: Siemens won contracts related to the EXPO. These include high-speed trains at a speed of 300 kph from Beijing to Tianjin.

"Our green technology will continue to upgrade the city's infrastructure well after the EXPO. Thus, it is a triple win for EXPO visitors, for the host city of Shanghai and for Siemens," said Richard Hausmann, CEO Siemens Northeast Asia and President and CEO of Siemens Ltd., China.

Siemens was awarded contracts in connection with the Expo with a total value of more than one billion euros. About 90 percent of this amount is related to environmentally friendly products and solutions.

Photo: In China, ensuring a supply of clean water is a pressing problem. Shanghai, which is naturally rich in water, suffers from polluted springs. Siemens water treatment solutions help clean up Taihu Lake not far from Shanghai.

Photo: Shanghai buildings in the evening.

More than 50,000 energy-saving light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produced by Siemens' lighting subsidiary Osram will illuminate the pavilions and boulevards. LEDs consume 80 percent less electricity than conventional incandescent bulbs.

The China Pavilion, with a total surface area of 160,000 square meters, is one of the largest Siemens projects at the Expo.

In addition to solutions for reduced energy consumption, Siemens also supplied infrastructure in advance of the Expo that will assure adequate power supply to the city of Shanghai both during and after the event.

February 26, 2010

Goodyear's Aerial TV Coverage of Sports

Goodyear continues long tradition of providing aerial coverage of the Olympic Games.

Viewers of the winter Olympic Games from Vancouver, British Columbia may have seen some spectacular aerial views of the event brought to them by Goodyear.

According to Goodyear, it provided its first Olympic coverage almost 88 years ago.

• Goodyear, one of the world's largest tire companies, manufactures its products in 59 facilities in 24 countries around the world.

Photo: Goodyear Blimp

In 1932, the Goodyear blimp Volunteer gave a local radio station a bird's-eye view of the summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles - starting the first of nine Olympics in which the company would coordinate the aerial views.

"Goodyear works at the request of the networks and has supported the Olympic Games in Los Angeles twice, Lillehammer, Atlanta, Sydney, Salt Lake City, Turin, Beijing and now Vancouver," said Sara Waldman, Goodyear's airship public relations manager. "We've used our famous blimps, planes, helicopters and tethered aerostats to provide the aerial views."

Goodyear has used a variety of aerial camera platforms due to the challenges and limitations of Olympic Winter Games in mountainous regions with heavy snow and ice, explained Waldman.

Goodyear's coverage of the Vancouver games is being provided by an airplane and a helicopter equipped with high-definition cameras and working with the production teams at the various venues around Vancouver.

For more than 50 years, Goodyear's blimps have provided aerial coverage of the most watched sports, entertainment and news events around the world, says the company.

According to the company, the partial list of events covered by the Goodyear blimps includes the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, and championships for NASCAR, the PGA, World Cup Soccer, the America's Cup, Grand Slam Tennis, Triple Crown horse races and the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.

September 30, 2009

All-Electric Navistar Truck Unveiled on Capitol Hill

Photo: At the U.S. Capitol today, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), on right, inspects Navistar Inc.'s zero emissions, all-electric delivery truck designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments. With help from a $39 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Navistar Inc. initially will build 400 of these clean technology trucks at its facility in Elkhart, Indiana, and expects to be producing several thousand trucks annually within a few years.

Today, members of the U.S. Congress were shown an all-electric commercial truck from Navistar, Inc. that does not depend on oil.

With the help of a $39 million U.S. Department of Energy grant announced by President Obama in August, Navistar will build these high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments.

Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, and expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows.

"The all-electric commercial truck is a concrete example of advanced technology that will be swiftly brought to market with government incentives, just like diesel-hybrid trucks and school buses," said Greg Elliott, senior vice president, Navistar. "We must continue to invest together for the next generation of advanced vehicles with innovative aerodynamic design and greater hybrid and electric market penetration across the nation."

September 14, 2009

Dow Corning Celebrates "Solar Day'

Photo: Dow Corning installed solar panels at its corporate headquarters in Michigan that also serve as a testing site for its silicone-based solar materials.

"Autumn may be approaching, but the sun is shining brightly at Dow Corning. And it is waiting for us," said Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning's chairman, president and CEO. "There is still much work to do to make solar energy a sustainable energy option for everyone, everywhere. These investments represent our continued commitment to both innovating and using alternative energy technologies."

At an event the company is calling "Solar Day," Dow Corning will announce the start of construction in Thomas Twp., Michigan of a manufacturing plant that will manufacture monosilane gas-a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells.

Dow Corning will also unveil a solar panel installation and Solar Discovery Center at its corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan.

Photo: Dow Corning Solar Solutions Researchers.

The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility will manufacture high purity monosilane, a key specialty gas used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays. The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility is expected to be completed in 2011.

"This significant investment to become a leading supplier of monosilane for thin film solar technology will expand our feedstock offering and will further reinforce Dow Corning's position as a material supplier across multiple solar technologies," said Eric Peeters, global executive director, Dow Corning Solar Solutions.

The solar installation at Dow Corning headquarters features 136 solar panels and will produce approximately 30 kilowatt-hours of power--the amount of electricity consumed by approximately seven to 10 homes in a year.

"It is important for everyone in our community, especially students, to understand both how solar technology works and the opportunity it represents for the world," said Marie N. Eckstein, Dow Corning's vice president and chief administrative officer. "We would like to invite community and student groups to contact us if they're interested in seeing the solar panels and solar education center."

Dow Corning's silicon-based materials are used in solar cell manufacturing, solar module assembly and installation. In the past five years, Dow Corning and its joint ventures, the Hemlock Semiconductor Group, have announced investments of more than $5 billion to research and develop as well as to expand production of materials critical to the solar industry.

A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

August 19, 2009

Photo: Helen & John Taylor (of Melbourne, Australia), holders of more than 80 fuel economy and driving world records, finish the Goodyear Fuel Max Challenge journey through the United States by crossing the ceremonial finish line at Virginia Tire & Auto in Ashburn, VA. After a three week, 9,505 mile drive touching all 48 contiguous U.S. states, the Taylors arrived Tuesday, August 18, having set a new Fuel Efficiency Guinness World Record of 67.9 mpg, shattering the 58.8 mpg they set last year.

In a display of fuel economy, two drivers from Australia have broken the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record," driving a car equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. This three-week, 9,000+ mile drive through all 48 contiguous states in the U.S., showcased the potential fuel savings from the breakthrough fuel-efficient tread compound found in the new tires.

The couple refueled the car at Shell-branded stations along the way. Shell, a global leader in diesel technology, was the fuel sponsor of the Taylor's 2009 Guinness World Record attempt. In the U.S., Shell is the best-selling fuel brand and has the widest availability of diesel.

"While our own testing shows just how fuel-efficient these new tires are, we wanted to provide a real-world example of the difference Fuel Max Technology can make," said Mark Cherveny, Goodyear brand manager, passenger tires. "Helen and John Taylor broke their own world record set last year, using the same car, the same fuel, and traveling the same route. We believe the difference this year is the set of Assurance Fuel Max tires."

Photo: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Blimp. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been recognized as America's most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. RI's Global Pulse consumer opinion survey measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world's largest companies.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

August 14, 2009

Lockheed Martin Conducts Aerial Refueling Test

Photo: A short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II takes on fuel from a KC-130 tanker near Fort Worth on Aug. 13. The fuel transfer marked the first time an F-35 has used the Navy- and Marines-style probe-and-drogue refueling system. (Foto: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Liz Kaszynski).

Lockheed Martin announced today that short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has become "The first F-35 to complete an aerial refueling test using the Navy- and Marine Corps-style probe-and-drogue refueling system". [F-35 and Lightning II are trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation.]

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

"The F-35 program is on the cusp of a tremendous expansion in flight test as a large number of new aircraft enter the test fleet this year and early next year," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. "This milestone will help ensure that we fill the pipeline between Fort Worth and Pax River with F-35s and maintain our flight-test tempo."

During Thursday's flight, the F-35B designated BF-2 (the second STOVL flight test aircraft), began a series of tests in which fuel is uploaded into the aircraft at 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 feet, at speeds ranging from 200 to 250 knots.

The refueling mission also marked the first time a Lockheed Martin KC-130J tanker has been used to refuel an F-35.

As the company explains, probe-and-drogue refueling employs a flexible hose that trails from the tanker aircraft. The basketlike drogue at the end of the hose connects to the receiving aircraft's probe, which, in the case of the F-35, resides on the right side of the forward fuselage and retracts when not in use. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and the air forces of many other countries use the probe/drogue system, while the U.S. Air Force refuels its aircraft via a rigid flying boom that inserts into a receptacle on the receiving airplane.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 and F-22 are 5th generation fighters, characterized by a combination of advanced stealth with supersonic speed and high agility, sensor fusion, network-enabled capabilities and advanced sustainment. The three F-35 variants are derived from a common design, are being developed together and will use the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, bringing economies of commonality and scale.

Lockheed Martin informs that it is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

August 2, 2009

Nissan Unveils World's First "Affordable" Electric Car, Calls it LEAF

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF at its global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, proclaiming that it is the world's first affordable, zero-emission car.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to "satisfy real-world consumer requirements".

LEAF is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe. Ushering in a new era of mobility and zero-emission era, the car is the culmination of decades of investment and research.

"Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment - one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality - the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero - not simply reduced - emissions. It's the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey - for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry."

"The 'LEAF' name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience," the company explains. "As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment."

The company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world.

"Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles."

"Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF's power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF's regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge (US LA4 mode)," says Nissan. "Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world's consumers who drive cars."

"And, Nissan's approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours - ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike."

"Our car had to be the world's first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that's what we've created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility," said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer. "The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout."

Nissan LEAF employs an advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day. The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF's remaining power - or "reachable area" - in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

"The IT system is a critical advantage," says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. "We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible."

Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas:

1. Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,

2. Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and

3. Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

According to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., "LEAF is the first in the company's forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan's EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world".

Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

|GlobalGiants.com|

"Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the daylight of life, which they are thenceforth to rule."

-- Thomas Carlyle

"All marketing managers, all auto makers, all car enthusiasts, all environmentalists, and all advertising & branding agencies may not agree that LEAF is a good name for a car.

But all leading political strategists would certainly agree that, in this case, LEAF is a Winning Name. This is so because top political strategists work at a finer and deeper level of advertising and branding. And this naming just corresponds to that.

December 10, 2008

DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report: White is Most Popular Color

Photo: The 56th annual DuPont Color Popularity report show white and white pearl coat remain the top color choice for North American consumers for the second year in a row.

The just published 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report says white is the top vehicle color choice in North America for the second straight year, and is a strong player globally, with "white effects" allowing consumers to differentiate cars subtly to express their individuality. Black and silver with effects also turned in a strong performance globally. The term "effects" refers to special pigments that lend a pearl or iridescent appearance to coatings.

White and white pearl scored 16 and 4 percent, respectively, black and black effect scored 11 percent and 6 percent, while silver, which led the pack for six consecutive years, garnered a 17 percent share of the North American market.

Photo: Blue hues, such as seen in the Saturn Aura, are increasingly popular according to the 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report

A leading supplier of coatings to the global automotive market both for new cars and in the collision repair industry, DuPont this year broadened the global scope of the authoritative Automotive Color Popularity Report to include specific data from emerging markets India and Russia. The automotive industry is expanding rapidly in both countries.

North American color choice highlights several trends. First, there is a continuing convergence of color choice globally with color preferences becoming more homogeneous across the globe. Additionally, DuPont continues to report white as a "palette cleansing" color signaling a pause after a long running trend and in advance of a new trend. The 2007 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report announced the end of silver's seven year reign.

Photo: Blue hues, such as seen in the Kia Sportage, are increasingly popular according to the 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report

"We're seeing basic colors like black, white and silver continuing in the lead but consumers are looking for differentiation with tri-coat and other effects," said Karen Surcina, color marketing manager -- DuPont Performance Coatings. "These colors and effects provide a higher degree of customization and luxury-effect which allow consumers a conservative differentiation from the traditional color palette." A tri-coat paint system consists of a basecoat, a midlayer which contains the color and specialized "effect" pigments followed by a clear coat.

"While black, white and silver continue to remain strong, we are seeing interesting trends developing," Surcina continued. "The popularity of true chromatic colors such as blue and red are on the rise, with blue growing worldwide as consumers look to more environmental themes and lifestyles."

Photo: The 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report shows a strong preference across the globe for black effect colors, like the Black Magic on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, which provides a unique customized appearance.

"Blue is being utilized as the 'new green' because it is well understood by people all over the world that blue can also represent the preservation of nature," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of Color: Messages and Meanings. "Imagine a clear blue sky mirrored in a pristine blue lake and you will get the picture. It is a universal favorite."

Global Convergence and Regional Differentiation

The global review of color popularity reveals that preferences are converging around the world, but within the convergence there is subtle differentiation between markets. As DuPont reported in June 2008, blue is becoming more popular, and currently ranks among consumers in North America with 13 percent of the overall market. Blue has garnered 12 to 13 percent of the market for the past few years and is a top five color choice in every market with the exception of Brazil.

"Neutral colors like silver and light gray shades capture a high volume, but long term they show a decreasing tendency in almost all regions," said Nancy Lockhart, DuPont color designer for North America. "Moving forward, it will be imperative to refresh styling of these popular colors with different effects that can restore their popularity."

Europe

Europe is dominated by the popularity of black vehicles in all segments. Black with effect, white/white pearl and silver are most popular across the board with a rise in bright reds in this year's report. The rankings remain consistent for black/black effect with 26 percent of the market, silver with 20 percent and gray with 18 percent.

White/white pearl saw a slight increase in popularity, rising from 8 percent last year to 10 percent in 2008. The warm neutral tones of beige and brown regained popularity in 2008, reaching 4 percent -- up from 2 percent last year.

"Current preferences are strongly influenced by ecological concepts, with demand growing for light, pure and sophisticated looks and the strength of blue showing optimism for the future," said Elke Dirks, DuPont color designer for Europe. "In the long term, we believe that European consumers will ask for a more colorful and individualistic palette from car makers."

Russia

Russian color preference shows an overwhelming use of silver at 30 percent, black and red at 14 percent and slight differences between green (13 percent), blue (12 percent) and white (10 percent). Though Russia leans toward the silver and black color spaces, red and green are more popular there than in any other region, demonstrating the diversity of color trends.

Asia

India's market shows a strong preference toward white and white pearl with 17 and 11 percent respectively, followed by silver with 27 percent. As in Russia, strong chroma colors made a good showing with red at 12 percent and blue at 8 percent. Black and black effect with 6 percent and 1 percent, respectively, was even with yellow and gold at 7 percent.

Silver remains exceptionally strong in the Asian countries of China, South Korea, Japan and India. In South Korea silver represents 50 percent of the market, up from 39 percent last year. Silver is the top color with strong growth shown in China as well at 32 percent for 2008, up from 23 percent in 2007. Japan and India report white/white pearl in the top color position (8 and 24 percent and 17 and 11 percent, respectively) with silver making a strong showing with 28 percent in Japan and 27 percent in India.

"Candy white and tri-coat pearl are extremely popular in most of the Asia Pacific area," said Emily Hung, DuPont color designer for the Asia Pacific region. "In Japan we see an overwhelming preference for white pearl or white with effect.

"In India and China we see a wide range of colors offered to attract young buyers to compact cars," Hung said. "Additionally, dark blue metallic is popular and we're fine-tuning a variety of shades for the region."

Mexico and Brazil

White and black are tied for the most popular color in Mexico at 20 percent each, with silver at 17 percent and gray at 13 percent. Following these cool-neutral shades, blue shows strength with 12 percent and red follows at 11 percent. Neutral spaces dominate Brazil with silver (31 percent), black (25 percent), gray (16 percent) and white (11 percent). Red is the most popular chroma color with 8 percent of the market.

DuPont "Time for Color" Trend Show

"Time for Color" is the theme of this year's DuPont global color trend forecast for the auto industry. Time is an important factor in the evolution of color. Consumers are increasingly focused on individuality, expressive car designs, small vehicles and fuel economy. These elements require innovative shades for a futuristic view of technology as it evolves. DuPont presents its annual trend show to automotive designers globally to showcase new trends, color availability and the new coatings technologies available to the market.

November 23, 2008

Photo: The TKTS ticket booth, a mainstay for bargain-conscious theater fans since 1973, recently opened its upgraded structure made entirely of glass supplied by Saint-Gobain, the world's largest producer of building materials.

Headquartered in Paris, Saint-Gobain has more than 210,000 employees throughout the world, including 25,000 in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its leadership in glass for architectural products, the company is the world's largest supplier of building materials and is a major manufacturer of high-performance materials and glass containers.

The new TKTS ticket booth on Father Duffy Square in New York City has finally opened its portholes after several years of design and construction. The new booth -- a striking glass structure in the heart of New York's theatre district -- was officially declared open by New York City Mayor Bloomberg at a gathering of celebrities and city officials on October 16th.

Huge pieces of ultra-clear Saint-Gobain Diamant Glass envelope and protect the futuristic white ticket pod. The glass steps above it are claret red in the shadow of the surrounding buildings but turn brighter as the midday sun reflects off the colored interlayer.

As Saint-Gobain itself describes, "At night, when the booth's light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are switched on, the whole structure glows like a 'magical ruby'. Transformed from its temporary scaffold and sheeting appearance into a gleaming all-glass sculpture by Perkins Eastman architects, the booth is rapidly becoming a landmark for locals and visitors alike. The booth is already attracting throngs of weary walkers -- happy to make the short climb up the 27 glass steps to absorb a unique view of New York."

The amphitheater will be able to accommodate more than one thousand visitors as they wait for tickets, eat their lunch or just sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the Times Square district. It will also likely serve as a space for many photo shoots, weddings and film sets.

The steps comprise three-layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant ultra-clear glass, laminated with a red interlayer and surface treated for slip-resistance. The one-and-a-half inch steps are designed for maximum durability.

The ultra-clear walls structurally support the steps, serving as a balustrade and protecting the administration pod inside.

All of the glass panels were developed and manufactured at Saint-Gobain's Eckelt Glas factory in Austria.

February 27, 2008

LG Electronics and General Electric Announce Licensing Agreement

Photo: Lynn Pendergrass, President and CEO of GE Consumer & Industrial-Americas (left) and Young Ha Lee, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Digital Appliance Company, celebrate the signing of a cross-licensing agreement between GE and LG for refrigeration and cooking appliances.

SEOUL, Korea, Feb. 26 -- LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, today announced that it has entered into a cross licensing agreement with GE Consumer & Industrial, an industry leader in major appliance, lighting and integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. This new agreement will allow LG and GE to use one another's patents for refrigerators and cooking appliances without paying licensing fees.

LG and GE have collaborated on cooking appliances since 1999, both in technologies and product development. This new agreement will help the companies strengthen their competitiveness worldwide. This agreement will be especially helpful to LG, in its push to expand its presence in digital appliances globally. The company currently sells its products through all three of the top retailers in North America: The Home Depot, Sears and Best Buy.

While, LG Electronics, Inc. is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, GE Consumer & Industrial spans the globe as an industry leader in major appliance, lighting and integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. |GlobalGiants.com|

October 3, 2007

EAST MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 3 -- 4CS, Inc., a leading provider of Customer Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions has announced that Mahindra USA, Inc. has rolled out 24/7 Owner Customer Care program using 4CS iSupport software.

4CS iSupport software helps increase retention of customers, partners, and suppliers by providing a single point of access to all relevant information and applications in a personalized environment. iSupport is made up of four modules consisting of a Contact Center, Service Dispatch, Service Knowledge Base, Support Center, and Reporting & Analysis.

Mr. Jim Ramsdail, Sr. Manager of Product & Service, Mahindra USA, noted "We were looking to establish a 24/7 Owner Care System which would allow Mahindra Owners to have 'live' contact to voice their concerns and obtain basic information about their products. The iSupport Package includes a Customer Management System and Searchable Database that were key requirements for our system."

M&M assembled the famous Willys Jeep for American GI's beginning in the 1940s. In 1963, M&M entered into a joint venture with International Harvester to manufacturer tractors. In India, one of the world's largest tractor markets, M&M has been the market share leader for 21 straight years and today ranks among the four largest tractor companies in the world. In 2003, the Farm Equipment Sector of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. received the coveted Deming Application Prize -- considered the Nobel Prize for manufacturing -- for establishing Total Quality Management in all business operations. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. is the only tractor company in the world to achieve this honor. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group in its Top 200 list of the World's Most Reputable Companies.|GlobalGiants.com|

July 4, 2007

TRITON ATM : GlobalGiants.com

Photo:Triton's FT7000, a full-function, through-the-wall ATM for financial institutions, features an envelope depository and an expansion bay for future upgrades such as check scanning. Available in a walk-up or drive-up configuration, the FT7000 is fully XFS compliant and runs Triton's Prism(TM) ATM software with Diebold 912 Emulation support, assuring seamless integration and compatibility into any existing network. Triton is a global ATM manufacturer and the largest provider of off-premise ATMs in North America. (Triton) |GlobalGiants.com|

February 13, 2007

ELOY, Ariz., Feb. 13 -- Airborne Systems Group, which has combined the world's leading parachute brands specializing in aerial delivery, rescue and survival equipment, and engineering services, held a two day event allowing allied militaries from around the world to participate in a demonstration of the world's most advanced parachute delivery technology.

The event called "Airborne Days" focused on equipment used in aerial cargo delivery, airborne insertions and in rescue and survival operations. Military personnel from 23 different countries made jumps with the new equipment. "This is an unprecedented event," said Brad Petersen, COO of Airborne Systems, North America. "With so many new parachute technologies, militaries have many options to increase their effectiveness on the battlefield."

A number of products from Airborne Systems, Europe developed at the UK and Canadian operation centers were showcased. Airborne Systems has combined the core technologies of four of the world's leading parachute brands; Irvin Aerospace, GQ Parachutes, Para-Flite and AML (Aircraft Materials, Ltd). [GlobalGiants.com]